ASK MAULANA
Spirit of Islam, January 2021, p. 50
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
laws can be effective, however, only if man fully grasps the necessity to adhere to them. One must realize that society without order is like a factory without electricity. It simply will not work. It should also be realized that the prevalence of certain virtues over their opposing vices is a great contributing factor in maintaining order. Generosity, broadmindedness, forgiveness and politeness must respectively override miserliness, narrow-mindedness, vengefulness and rudeness. Consideration for others must always be one’s first response in any given situation. Certain traits of character are naturally supportive of social order. Knowing what a situation requires of one, whether it is a matter of conscience or discretion, is always conducive to harmonious living. Just knowing what to say, when to speak and when to remain silent are among the greatest social virtues. Knowing whether to adopt a hard or an accommodating attitude, whether to be firm or whether to be pliant is equally important. People who understand these niceties of social coexistence, and put them into practice, are vital to the solidarity in society. Without them order would degenerate into anarchy. o A new start begins from accepting that you committed a blunder in the past.

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